Post by David H on Apr 20, 2010 17:17:10 GMT
Hello everyone.
It’s the Virgin London Marathon Weekend Coming Up
This weekend sees our annual trip to London for runners, marshalls and spectators, for the London marathon. The culmination of months of preparation by the organisers will come to fruition at 9.30 am when thousands of runners pound the 26.2 miles from Greenwhich/Blackheath to the Mall just down from Buckingham Palace. There will be elation and disappointment with the running times but one thing in common will be the pride enjoyed by all at having completed one of the toughest athletic events.
To all of those taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday I sincerely wish you the best of luck and do hope you achieve your goals.
Best of luck especially for Floyds ‘Virgins’, I am sure if you have all adhered to his advice you will get round comfortably.
The weather is going to be sunny with temperatures about 19 C, so a tad on the warmish side. Don’t set yourselves too higher target as there are a lot of runners out there that will cause delay. Make sure you drink regularly to avoid dehydration and remember the runners around you generate a lot of heat. There will be thousands of spectators out there to cheer you on so wave to them as they can lift you when the going gets tough. We will be waiting for you on duty outside the Tower of London just before the 23 miles to welcome and cheer you on. Come across to us for a ‘high five’ or whatever and we will help you onto the finish.
New Constitution
You may recall last year that at the AGM a new constitution was offered to the membership. At the AGM this year it will be necessary for us to decide whether to adopt it. The new constitution is modelled from that proposed by England Athletics of which we are a member.
For those of you who are on the emailing list, you will have received a copy of the new constitution in which the differences with the old have been highlighted. It is an opportunity for you to look at the differences and decide if they are acceptable. It would be helpful if you could have a look at them and let me know if there is anything you are not happy with. This should help us to avoid a long debating session at the AGM when as you can appreciate time will be short.
I will also bring along copies of the new constitution on a Wednesday evening for you to take away and peruse.
KAN
You will shortly be receiving a communication regarding the Kent Athletics Network (KAN). This is part of a nationwide organisation to encourage the development of athletes and coaches.
Mark Dayson is the KAN co-ordinator and has produced a sheet outlining the benefits of joining the network. He has also listed the benefits particular to Maidstone Harriers.
At the moment we have not joined the network as we feel it is only right that this should be at the consensus of the membership. You will therefore be asked to vote on whether you wish to become part of this at the AGM.
We have invited Mark along to talk about the network, his role and also to answer any questions you may have.
AGM 2010
Just to remind you that our AGM takes place on Wednesday 28th April at 7.30 pm at the Hockey Club in Armstrong Road.
For those of you on the emailing list you will have received a copy of the AGM agenda. This was included with the new (highlighted) constitution that was sent out to you.
You will also have received by now an email from Paula indicating what positions are vacant on the committee. This is a golden opportunity to be involved with the organising of the club. We have already had some expressions of interest but we are looking for more. As you may have heard me say, it would be good to spread out the jobs so that none of it is onerous on any one individual.
I am pleased to report that we have had an offer of Chairmanship from Floyd Risby. As I mentioned last year I would continue until someone came forward and Floyd has said he would like to stand a second term in that role. Floyd has put together a suggestion for the way forward and I will be shortly sending it out to the membership.
Speed Training is Under Way
Thursdays are speed training sessions. If you want improve your running times then this is way to do it. When I embarked on speedwork many years ago I saw my times drop dramatically, especially the Half Marathon distance.
Do have a look at the message board, but this week it is sprints in Postley Road another excellent routine to improve your speed, I do recommend it. Floyd Risby is organising the sessions with the help of a few other experienced members. We meet at the Hockey Club at 7.00pm.
Once the lighter evenings start, Nigel Warren will be looking to start up his core fitness sessions again which are essential to maintaining flexibility.
I do implore that you support both these sessions as members are prepared to put themselves out to improve your speed and fitness.
London Marathon Coach 2010
I expect you have all seen the message on the board from Bob that the coach is now full. Bob would now like to collect the fare of £8 each.
Accompanying Runners for Prospective New Members
Many thanks to all the volunteers who are helping out with looking after prospective new members, it is very much appreciated.
As you know with the increase in membership, I have the pleasure most weeks of introducing new members to the club. One of the difficulties is finding someone for them to run with as quite often they are not sure of their pace or how far they can run. The following group of volunteers are prepared to take it turns to look after the new members for the first couple of weeks.
The ten who have volunteered so far are: -
Di Wright
Peter Foxall
Matt Fraser
Graham Pearson
Russell Morling
Sharon Barnett
Mathew Barnett
Alan Probert
Sarah Brenton
If I have missed anyone off please let me know or if anyone else would like to volunteer, again please let me know. Many thanks.
Club Championship 2010
The following are the list of club championships planned for this year:-
23 May - Canterbury Half*
27 Jun - Weald of Kent 10
11 Jul - Mount Ephraim 10K*
03 Oct - Dulwich Park 10K*
31 Oct - Barns Green Half
05 Dec - Thanet 10*
Note: - Those marked with an asterisk are Grand Prix events
April Diary
April
April 21st – Club evening – Route….Coxheath
April 22nd – Speed training (Relays)
April 25th – London Marathon
April 28th – AGM (7.30pm)
April 29th – Speed training including MHB
Wednesday's Route
The lighter evenings are here so this will be the last of the winter runs from me.
Coxheath
Turn right along Armstrong Road to the traffic lights and turn right up the Loose Road to go to the right of the Wheatsheaf PH. Continue up the Loose Rd past the Swan, past the primary school and down into the dip over Loose Valley bridge (it may be preferable to cross over the road after the bridge to avoid running through the wooded area that is unlit). Continue up Linton Road to the Linton Crossroads traffic lights and turn right along Heath Road to Coxheath.
In the centre of the village past the Spice Lounge turn right at the cross roads down Stockett Lane by the Bird in Hand PH. Continue down Stockett Lane past the school and take the first turning on your right along Westway to the junction with Park Way and turn left. Continue along Park Way till you come to the junction with Heath Road and turn left to run along back to the traffic lights at Linton Crossroads.
Retrace your route back to the centre down Linton Road, Loose Road and Armstrong Road
7.5 miles
Linton Crossroads
At Linton Crossroads turn round and retrace your route back.
5.5 miles
A passing thought
In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
Eleanor Roosevelt - US diplomat & reformer (1884 - 1962)
Take care all of you, be safe and I look forward to seeing you later.
David
It’s the Virgin London Marathon Weekend Coming Up
This weekend sees our annual trip to London for runners, marshalls and spectators, for the London marathon. The culmination of months of preparation by the organisers will come to fruition at 9.30 am when thousands of runners pound the 26.2 miles from Greenwhich/Blackheath to the Mall just down from Buckingham Palace. There will be elation and disappointment with the running times but one thing in common will be the pride enjoyed by all at having completed one of the toughest athletic events.
To all of those taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday I sincerely wish you the best of luck and do hope you achieve your goals.
Best of luck especially for Floyds ‘Virgins’, I am sure if you have all adhered to his advice you will get round comfortably.
The weather is going to be sunny with temperatures about 19 C, so a tad on the warmish side. Don’t set yourselves too higher target as there are a lot of runners out there that will cause delay. Make sure you drink regularly to avoid dehydration and remember the runners around you generate a lot of heat. There will be thousands of spectators out there to cheer you on so wave to them as they can lift you when the going gets tough. We will be waiting for you on duty outside the Tower of London just before the 23 miles to welcome and cheer you on. Come across to us for a ‘high five’ or whatever and we will help you onto the finish.
New Constitution
You may recall last year that at the AGM a new constitution was offered to the membership. At the AGM this year it will be necessary for us to decide whether to adopt it. The new constitution is modelled from that proposed by England Athletics of which we are a member.
For those of you who are on the emailing list, you will have received a copy of the new constitution in which the differences with the old have been highlighted. It is an opportunity for you to look at the differences and decide if they are acceptable. It would be helpful if you could have a look at them and let me know if there is anything you are not happy with. This should help us to avoid a long debating session at the AGM when as you can appreciate time will be short.
I will also bring along copies of the new constitution on a Wednesday evening for you to take away and peruse.
KAN
You will shortly be receiving a communication regarding the Kent Athletics Network (KAN). This is part of a nationwide organisation to encourage the development of athletes and coaches.
Mark Dayson is the KAN co-ordinator and has produced a sheet outlining the benefits of joining the network. He has also listed the benefits particular to Maidstone Harriers.
At the moment we have not joined the network as we feel it is only right that this should be at the consensus of the membership. You will therefore be asked to vote on whether you wish to become part of this at the AGM.
We have invited Mark along to talk about the network, his role and also to answer any questions you may have.
AGM 2010
Just to remind you that our AGM takes place on Wednesday 28th April at 7.30 pm at the Hockey Club in Armstrong Road.
For those of you on the emailing list you will have received a copy of the AGM agenda. This was included with the new (highlighted) constitution that was sent out to you.
You will also have received by now an email from Paula indicating what positions are vacant on the committee. This is a golden opportunity to be involved with the organising of the club. We have already had some expressions of interest but we are looking for more. As you may have heard me say, it would be good to spread out the jobs so that none of it is onerous on any one individual.
I am pleased to report that we have had an offer of Chairmanship from Floyd Risby. As I mentioned last year I would continue until someone came forward and Floyd has said he would like to stand a second term in that role. Floyd has put together a suggestion for the way forward and I will be shortly sending it out to the membership.
Speed Training is Under Way
Thursdays are speed training sessions. If you want improve your running times then this is way to do it. When I embarked on speedwork many years ago I saw my times drop dramatically, especially the Half Marathon distance.
Do have a look at the message board, but this week it is sprints in Postley Road another excellent routine to improve your speed, I do recommend it. Floyd Risby is organising the sessions with the help of a few other experienced members. We meet at the Hockey Club at 7.00pm.
Once the lighter evenings start, Nigel Warren will be looking to start up his core fitness sessions again which are essential to maintaining flexibility.
I do implore that you support both these sessions as members are prepared to put themselves out to improve your speed and fitness.
London Marathon Coach 2010
I expect you have all seen the message on the board from Bob that the coach is now full. Bob would now like to collect the fare of £8 each.
Accompanying Runners for Prospective New Members
Many thanks to all the volunteers who are helping out with looking after prospective new members, it is very much appreciated.
As you know with the increase in membership, I have the pleasure most weeks of introducing new members to the club. One of the difficulties is finding someone for them to run with as quite often they are not sure of their pace or how far they can run. The following group of volunteers are prepared to take it turns to look after the new members for the first couple of weeks.
The ten who have volunteered so far are: -
Di Wright
Peter Foxall
Matt Fraser
Graham Pearson
Russell Morling
Sharon Barnett
Mathew Barnett
Alan Probert
Sarah Brenton
If I have missed anyone off please let me know or if anyone else would like to volunteer, again please let me know. Many thanks.
Club Championship 2010
The following are the list of club championships planned for this year:-
23 May - Canterbury Half*
27 Jun - Weald of Kent 10
11 Jul - Mount Ephraim 10K*
03 Oct - Dulwich Park 10K*
31 Oct - Barns Green Half
05 Dec - Thanet 10*
Note: - Those marked with an asterisk are Grand Prix events
April Diary
April
April 21st – Club evening – Route….Coxheath
April 22nd – Speed training (Relays)
April 25th – London Marathon
April 28th – AGM (7.30pm)
April 29th – Speed training including MHB
Wednesday's Route
The lighter evenings are here so this will be the last of the winter runs from me.
Coxheath
Turn right along Armstrong Road to the traffic lights and turn right up the Loose Road to go to the right of the Wheatsheaf PH. Continue up the Loose Rd past the Swan, past the primary school and down into the dip over Loose Valley bridge (it may be preferable to cross over the road after the bridge to avoid running through the wooded area that is unlit). Continue up Linton Road to the Linton Crossroads traffic lights and turn right along Heath Road to Coxheath.
In the centre of the village past the Spice Lounge turn right at the cross roads down Stockett Lane by the Bird in Hand PH. Continue down Stockett Lane past the school and take the first turning on your right along Westway to the junction with Park Way and turn left. Continue along Park Way till you come to the junction with Heath Road and turn left to run along back to the traffic lights at Linton Crossroads.
Retrace your route back to the centre down Linton Road, Loose Road and Armstrong Road
7.5 miles
Linton Crossroads
At Linton Crossroads turn round and retrace your route back.
5.5 miles
A passing thought
In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.
Eleanor Roosevelt - US diplomat & reformer (1884 - 1962)
Take care all of you, be safe and I look forward to seeing you later.
David